New India is not a government scheme or matter of politics, says PM Modi

New Delhi, March 26 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the sacrifices made by freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru should serve as an inspiration to all citizens as a "New India" that he proposed two weeks ago will be free from corruption and based on inclusiveness.
Modi's remarks come after recent elections to five assemblies led to the installation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning in two -- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand -- and forming governments led by it in two more, Goa and Mizoram.
"If 125 crore people of the country decide, and take steps to fulfil their dreams, then the dream of New India of 125 crore people will be achieved by the country. New India is not a government scheme, or a matter of politics, it manifests the strength of each and every Indian who will together create bhavya (prosperous) and divya (divine) Bharat," Modi said in his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat.
Modi also said that New India was about the aspirations and desire of the people of the country. Modi said that while differences of opinion on New India were natural people can achieve the dream of New India by fulfilling their responsibilities as good citizens.
Modi reiterated that the people of India should make cleanliness an integral part of their lives. "Cleanliness is more about habit than national movement. It is a movement to change basic habits, it is a difficult task but we have to achieve it," Modi said.
Soon after winning a historic mandate in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, Modi had said that the country was moving towards emergence of a New India in which governments will be formed by majority, governance will be done by consensus and the poor will be key stakeholders. Modi has often said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's driving force is 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas' (development for everyone). The prime minister urged people to volunteer in realizing this new India by 2022 when the country celebrates its 75th year of independence.
Modi extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh on their independence day and said that India would always pray for the rapid progress and development of Bangladesh. "Under the leadership of Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the people of Bangladesh fought against injustice and achieved remarkable victory. I assure the people of Bangladesh that in India they have a good friend. India stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh. Together we shall keep working towards peace and security in our region," Modi said.
Political analysts say that while unity in diversity is part of the basic values of India, people have started thinking that diversity means division or compartmentalization of communities on the basis of caste, religion and financial situation. "Modi is trying to break from the past and talk about inclusiveness which includes political, social and economic inclusiveness while respecting the diverse culture of the country," said A.K. Verma, a Kanpur-based political analyst and political science professor at Christ Church College.